Sights & Sounds of the Season Calendar (updated 12/18)

The Sights & Sounds of the Season are in full swing throughout the region. From concerts and parades to family fun and Christmas tree lighting events, there are plenty of activities to help get you - and keep you - in the holiday spirit. Here’s a list featuring many of the "Sights and Sounds" of the season. To add an event to the list, email cmusick@timesnews.net.

THIS WEEK

* Mrs. Santa's Christmas Secret featuring music, storytelling, puppets and magic will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Renaissance Center Theatre in Kingsport. The family-friendly event is free for everyone. Mrs. Santa is portrayed by Judy "Butterfly" Farlow, an award-winning storyteller.

* Gary Stuart, Teresa Phillips and Jimmie Self will present an evening of instrumental carols at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23, at First Baptist Church in Church Hill. Stuart, who is the music director at First Baptist, is an accomplished pianist, keyboardist and vocalist. Phillips is the church pianist, and has served in that position for 50 years. Self is a retired United States Air Force bandsman and will perform on trombone and euphonium. The congregation will be invited to join in singing several well-known carols — and the program is free and open to the public.

* St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will provide its Christmas Day Dinner from 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 25 at the church, located at 161 East Ravine Street in Kingsport. The dinner is open to all – for those who are alone and those in need of some good company and great food on this most special day of the year. St. Paul’s parish families and others from the community have been joyful participants since we began serving this dinner in 2003 and the dinner has become a family tradition to spend that portion of the day with those in need.

* Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s 38th Annual Christmas Dinner, located at 700 Cumberland Street in Bristol, invites the community and area visitors to its annual Community Christmas Dinner from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 25. Dinner includes traditional holiday dinner trimmings. Reservations are not necessary and there is no fee for the dinner. Everyone is invited to enjoy the wonderful meal and a fun-filled evening of fellowship, entertainment, and caroling. To learn more, call (276) 669-9488 or email emmanuelbristol@gmail.com.

WEEK OF DEC. 30

* Warriors Path State Park’s “Light Up The Night” New Year's Hike featuring a moderate two-mile hike with old-time kerosene lanterns will be held at 12:01 a.m., Jan. 1. Hot cocoa will be served following the hike! For safety, only adults will carry the kerosene lanterns. Children should bring a small flashlight. Come dressed for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots. Meet at park's swimming pool parking lot.

* The Town of Greeneville’s Midnight On Main begins at 8 p.m., Dec. 31. Two blocks of Main Street will be filled with music, dancing, food and other festivities for all ages. An indoor kids zone has been added to this year’s plans. Three live music venues include General Morgan Inn, Catalyst Coffee Company and the Capitol Theatre. Other activities include street dance, karaoke and more. A highlight of Midnight on Main will be the ball drop by Greeneville Light & Power System. The ball drop will take place during the countdown to a spectacular midnight fireworks show above Main Street. Anyone interested in sponsoring the event can call (423) 639-7105 or email arose@greenevilletn.gov.

* LampLight Theatre presents “The Christmas Heirloom” through Dec. 21. Show times are at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Admission is $12 for adults; $7 for students; and free for children 5 and under. Call (423) 343-1766 for reservations.

* The Fort Henry Mall presents Santa’s Village, a new Santa experience, in center court and features a new area for families to have their picture taken with Santa along with interactive stations featuring activities for children of all ages. Santa’s Village will also host Stories with Santa throughout the Christmas season at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 19. During storytime, families can gather around Santa’s Village to hear Christmas classics such as “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and “The Night Before Christmas.” Santa’s Village will be open through Christmas Eve. Photos with Santa are available Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.visitsantasvillage.com.

* The US Bank’s annual Parade of Trees Christmas tree decorating display, at 107 E. Main Street in Rogersville, will remain on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 21. Call (423) 272-2186.

* Jonesborough's Annual Celebration of Trees, a unique exhibit of more than 30 beautifully-decorated Christmas trees, runs through Dec. 23 in Historic Jonesborough. This year’s exhibit begins at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center's Old Town Emporium Gift Shop. The trees are all sponsored and decorated by area businesses and non-profit organizations. Exhibit programs, listing nearly 25 locations throughout the historic district, are located at the Jonesborough Visitors Center and the International Storytelling Center. The exhibit is free. All locations are open to public viewing during their normal operating hours. To learn more, call the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at (423) 753-1010 or visit www.jbochristmas.com.

* Natural Tunnel State Park’sChristmas Lighting of the Tunnel is from 6 to 10 p.m., Dec. 17-22. As you ride the chairlift, you will be surrounded by thousands of Christmas lights and animated Christmas displays. Once at the tunnel, stand by the warm fire while sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air. Hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa are just a few things you can expect to enjoy.

* The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights continues nightly through Jan. 5 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Highlights of the route include a ride alongside the legendary Bristol Dragway and a lap around The Last Great Colosseum before a visit to the Christmas Village presented by Eastman Credit Union.